China Just Banned Export Of Rare Earth Metals To The US

China has just halted the export of some rare earth metals to the US, NYT reports.

“The embargo is expanding” beyond Japan, said one of the three rare earth industry officials, all of whom insisted on anonymity for fear of business retaliation by Chinese authorities. They said Chinese customs officials imposed the broader shipment restrictions Monday morning, hours after a top Chinese official had summoned international news media Sunday night to denounce United States trade actions.

This action -- which China has not admitted -- could represent economic blackmail for numerous economic complaints, including pressure to revalue the yuan and to cut unfair subsidies for Chinese clean tech.